The world is going through a rough patch these days because of problems such as climate change, food security, hunger and last but not least, the Covid-19 pandemic. Unfortunately, these issues are not taken seriously in our region. One of these major problems is hunger and food security.

According to the UN Food and Security agency report, half a billion people in Asia are hungry and lack of access to adequate nourishing food. The International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI), a poverty and hunger watchdog, estimates around one in five of Pakistan’s more than 200 million people are malnourished. These numbers are extremely alarming and as a nation, we need to do something about the issue, because this problem will keep getting bigger with every passing day, if it is ignored. One solution is that most countries are now trying to achieve targets according to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and in Pakistan zero hunger is number one on the priority list.

The need of the hour is for companies working in Pakistan to take responsibility to eradicate the problem of hunger from the country through their CSR activities, especially in the underprivileged areas.

Fortunately, Pakistan has a vast network of NGOs and social workers who can provide their services but lack funds and resources. Companies can play their part by joining hands with these organisations and provide them with funds and/or products to utilise in the identified areas.

These partnerships will help provide the people in these areas with healthier, nourishing meals helping to lower the issue of zero hunger in the country. Companies and philanthropists can also join hands with the medical community to set up medical camps and raise awareness among the people with regard to the symptoms and dangers of malnourishment.

While the problem cannot be solved solely through the corporate sector, I believe they can play a big part in getting the ball rolling.

Fawad Khan
Karachi

Published in Dawn, September 21st, 2020